math logoWhat can I do with a Math Major?

Stories from Rice Grads

Results from a recent Job Satisfaction survey

 

 

Mathematics is one of the oldest and most fundamental sciences and a demanding major. But even those who love the challenge of math need to make a living after they graduate. So on this page we will share the job descriptions from Rice Math Grads which show possible career paths that you can take with a mathematics degree, some recent job ads for different careers, and a few statistics on the job market.

Mathematicians need to have good reasoning ability in order to identify, analyze, and apply basic logical principles to technical problems. This skill can be used in a large number of professional situations so those with a degree in mathematics are in demand for a great variety of occupations. This can complicate a job search, but what about other interests you may have?

 

If you are interested in Interesting jobs held by former Rice students (click to get the job description in their own words)
Biology Neuroscience in "wet lab"
Environment Soil and groundwater remediation
Chemistry Studying for PhD in physical chemistry while working in electrical engineering/bioengineering lab
Computers Rendering engineering for video games
Economics Work in Antitrust division of Department of Justice
Finance Quantitative Analyst (a specialist in the mathematical techniques of finance) in Antimoney Laundering Department in bank
Energy Financial Products Trading Work on the trade floor for an energy trading firm
Business Work for Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co. (KKR), the global buyout firm, helping to improve operations of companies KKR buys
Physics Winter-over for 2 years at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station
Electrical Engineering Professor in Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering Department
Statistics Actuary
Helping others Teach for America
Technology Integrating technology into tactical networks
Innovative Research Health care venture capitalist
Community Involvement Providing support for IBM's World Community Grid
Computational Biology Developing new algorithms for molecular modeling

 

Information on Math-Related Careers from CareerCast.com compiled by Les Krantz, author of the
Jobs Related Almanac

 

 

 

Job Ranking Job
No. 1 Mathematician
No. 2 Actuary
No. 3 Statistician
No. 4 Biologist
No. 5 Software Engineer
No. 6 Computer Systems Analyst
No. 7 Historian
No. 8 Sociologist
No. 9 Industrial Designer
No. 10 Accountant

Best Jobs
The survey rated overall job satisfaction based on six criteria: environment, income, employment outlook, physical demands, security and stress. Of the top ten, 6 are jobs that typically employ those with math skills - Mathematician, Actuary, Statistician, Software Engineer, Computer Systems Analyst, and Accountant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updated September 11, 2009